The engines have gone quiet at Chicagoland Speedway, but the conversation around it has never been louder. Once a cornerstone of NASCAR’s Midwest presence, the Joliet oval now sits in limbo—unraced by the Cup Series since 2019, but far from forgotten. Fans, insiders, and city officials alike are fueling speculation: Could NASCAR bring Chicagoland back into the spotlight? With deep history, modern facilities, and enduring popularity, this former playoff venue may still have more laps left to run.
Key Highlights
Chicagoland Speedway debuted in 2001 and hosted NASCAR Cup races through 2019.
The track is a 1.5-mile D-shaped, tri-oval known for tight finishes and multi-groove racing.
Notable winners include Tony Stewart, Kevin Harvick, and Kyle Busch.
It was removed from the schedule after 2019 amid attendance decline and calendar reshuffling.
Talks of a return continue, with fans and stakeholders pushing for a NASCAR comeback.
The Rise of Chicagoland
Built in an era of NASCAR expansion into urban-adjacent markets, Chicagoland Speedway launched in 2001 with fanfare and future potential. The 1.5-mile tri-oval in Joliet, Illinois, delivered fast-paced action and quickly earned a place on the sport’s radar. With 18-degree banking in the corners and 11 degrees on the tri-oval, it allowed for thrilling side-by-side racing across all three NASCAR national series.
Its inaugural weekend featured Kevin Harvick winning the first-ever Cup race and Jimmie Johnson claiming the track’s first Busch (now Xfinity) Series win. For years, names like Kyle Busch, Tony Stewart, and Brad Keselowski made Joliet their playground. Chicagoland became known for unpredictable late-race drama, multi-lane competition, and big-name performances.
From 2011 to 2017, it also played a pivotal role in NASCAR’s postseason. As the opening race of the Playoffs, Chicagoland set the stage for championship battles, wild card chaos, and early heartbreak. Drivers and fans embraced it as both a fast track and a high-stakes battleground.
Yet it wasn’t only about speed. Chicagoland became a centerpiece of NASCAR’s Midwest strategy—a link between heartland fans and big-league stock car racing.
What Made Chicagoland Special for Fans and Drivers
Part of what kept fans returning year after year was Chicagoland’s accessibility and atmosphere. Located about 40 miles southwest of downtown Chicago, the venue provided a manageable trip for city dwellers and suburban fans alike. Its original 75,000-seat capacity reflected early-2000s optimism. Even when seating was later reduced to 47,000, the venue kept its charm thanks to strong sightlines, effective traffic flow, and expansive infield camping zones.
Beyond the grandstands, the track also engaged the community. Events like concerts, fan zones, and charity functions made it a summer destination. Chicagoland’s contributions extended beyond entertainment—the track generated over $300 million in economic impact for Joliet and Will County. Local hotels, restaurants, and retail spaces benefitted directly from NASCAR’s presence each summer.
On the competitive side, Chicagoland earned its reputation for “clean aggression.” The wide racing surface supported multiple grooves, giving drivers the freedom to run low, high, or anywhere in between. Races often came down to bold restarts and daring moves—none more memorable than Kyle Busch’s 2018 “slide job” on Kyle Larson coming off Turn 4 in the final lap, one of the most replayed moments in recent NASCAR history.
The track also played host to jaw-dropping IndyCar moments, including Sam Hornish Jr.’s 2002 win by a mere 0.0024 seconds—the closest finish in series history.
Why NASCAR Left—and What’s Changed Since
Despite its highlights, Chicagoland faced challenges. Fan attendance declined in the 2010s, in part due to increased competition from other sports and changing consumer habits. Even with strong racing, intermediate ovals like Chicagoland saw their popularity wane amid a fan push for more short tracks and road courses.
Corporate factors also played a role. The track’s ownership transitioned from Raceway Associates to International Speedway Corporation (ISC), then to NASCAR itself in 2019. That same year, NASCAR began consolidating operations and making tough calls on track schedules.
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated changes. With logistical and financial strains in 2020, Chicagoland was dropped from the calendar. New events like the Chicago Street Race filled the void, introducing a city-centered experience with broader sponsor appeal and a modernized vibe.
Yet the track wasn’t abandoned. It continues to host smaller events, testing sessions, and fan engagement programs. Its core infrastructure remains intact. Unlike tracks that fell into disrepair, Chicagoland is preserved—and capable of reactivation.
The Push for a Comeback: Fans, Markets, and Momentum
Chicagoland remains a favorite among a wide segment of NASCAR followers. Midwestern fans routinely campaign for its return, especially those who see it as more authentic than newer venues. Drivers, too, have voiced support—praising the racing quality, layout, and playoff-friendly setting.
There’s also the media market factor. Chicago is the third-largest media market in the United States. Losing a foothold there weakened NASCAR’s urban reach, even with the street course stepping in. A two-pronged approach—street race and oval—could theoretically allow the sport to capture both traditional and new fan bases.
From a logistical standpoint, Chicagoland checks many boxes. It has the facilities, parking, fan zones, media areas, and broadcast infrastructure needed to host a modern Cup weekend. Local officials remain supportive, viewing motorsports as a valuable economic engine.
The main challenge? Calendar space. NASCAR’s new emphasis on road courses, stadium events, and international aspirations means every open slot comes with heavy competition. Chicagoland would likely need to replace an underperforming track—or succeed as a rotating venue, alternating with the city street race or another regional location.
.@NASCAR has been evaluating a possible return to Chicagoland Speedway for next year, according to people familiar with the matter, and the chances of the move happening are said to be increasing. https://t.co/LridqXxMKS
— Adam Stern (@A_S12) July 16, 2025
Still, with support from fans, local leaders, and prominent racing voices, the push to bring back Joliet continues.
Why Chicagoland’s Story Is Not Over Yet
Even without a Cup date, Chicagoland Speedway still matters. It symbolizes a generation of NASCAR expansion—where speed met sprawl and Midwest fans got their own slice of racing excellence. It also represents resilience. While other tracks have faded completely, Chicagoland remains maintained, relevant, and usable.
From Sam Hornish Jr.’s thousandths-of-a-second IndyCar win to the oranges that rolled onto the track during qualifying in 2004, Joliet is packed with stories. It’s also home to Kyle Busch’s 10 total wins across series, Kevin Harvick’s dominance in both Cup and Xfinity, and Tony Stewart’s defining performances.
Whether NASCAR returns in 2026, 2030, or never again, Chicagoland Speedway will always hold a place in the sport’s narrative. And with fans continuing to push for its revival—and no structural obstacles stopping it—the odds of a comeback are better than most abandoned venues can claim.
For a sport that thrives on rivalries, comebacks, and underdog stories, Chicagoland’s quiet endurance may end up being its greatest win yet.
News in Brief: Will NASCAR Return to Chicagoland Speedway
Chicagoland Speedway, once a staple of the NASCAR calendar, last hosted a Cup race in 2019. Known for close racing and playoff drama, the Joliet, Illinois track remains in strong condition and continues hosting smaller events. While removed due to scheduling changes and pandemic effects, fan and industry support for its return continues to grow. The track’s legacy and market value make it a prime candidate for a future NASCAR comeback.
ALSO READ: Beating the Monster: What It Takes to Win at Dover International Speedway
